Niobium Carbonitride Precipitation

The precipitation of fine niobium compounds during thermomechanical processing, which block austenite grain growth. This produces a high-strength microstructural state with excellent toughness properties.

Niobium is added to steels to keep the grain fine via fine precipitates and increase strength. When welding, you have to watch out: if the material gets too much heat or cools too slowly, these precipitates can coarsen and embrittle the structure. So keep heat input in check and don't let the part cool too slowly, then the weld stays tough and crack-free. If you're unsure how your material reacts, better ask before you start blindly.

MetallurgieSchweißtechnik